My grandfather passed away
Nearly half a century ago now
Yet quite often in my mind
It seems like yesterday somehow
He arrived in America at Ellis Island
From a tiny village in Poland back in 1914
He and his wife were looking for a better life
His work ethic and value system he did bring
He was a very simple man
He toiled in a city factory
Yet he was a wondrous loving soul
Who filled all he knew with glee
He was our family patriarch
He loved hosting festive gatherings
He belonged to many social clubs
And he raced pigeons on the wing
I was named after my grandfather
Since I was my father’s oldest son
And my beloved Grandpa Edward
Truly loved his rambunctious grandson
He took me to the Saturday matinees
Or for long leisurely walks in the park
And he absolutely loved to scare me silly
Whenever it got eerily stormy or dark
He taught me to play poker
He taught me to conquer fear
He taught me the meaning of family
And he always brought good cheer
He also had a devilish sense of humor
He constantly got in trouble with his wife
He was truly an inspiration in my childhood
And he brought much merriment to my life
Shortly before Grandpa died
He gave me my very first pet
And he very sagely advised me
To treat all animals with respect
The day that my grandfather died
I hugged Tiger with all my might
My tears drenched his shaggy brown coat
That dog consoled me through the night
My grandfather passed away
Nearly half a century ago now
Yet quite often in my mind
It seems like yesterday somehow
My grandfather was born and raised in the village of Kostrzyn, from which we derive our family name. The village dates back to the 12th Century and is located in the western part of Poland, where the Warta River flows into the Oder.
And, as is the case with any settlement located on the Polish border, it has been anything but quiet. It has changed hands frequently, and it has been destroyed several times by both fires and wars.
The armies of Gustavus Adolphus, Frederick the Great, and Napoleon came and went through our ancestral home.
In 1945, 95% of Kostrzyn was razed to the ground when the Soviet Army marched past it. Only the remains of the Old Town and the ruins of a 16th century stronghold survived.
This stronghold was a true masterpiece, and although forgotten for decades, it is now being carefully restored.
Since 1994, reconstruction work in Kostrzyn's Old Town, also known as ‘Kostrzyn's Pompeii,’ has also been under way.
The music playing in the background is Early Polish Lute Music; the Lute was a much-revered instrument in Poland. It was a general symbol of Music, and of Art as a whole, and the best lutenists stayed at the court of Polish Kings in Kraków.
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Carmen :-)
Simply a delightful tribute to your grandfather, and your love for him shows through so beautifully. Thanks for the wonderful information regarding the village of Kostrzyn, and the soft melodic Lute music, it does much for the soul. Thank you so much for sharing Ed.
Warm hugs
Elga
and great tribute to your grandfather
William .....Peace
Sandie May Angel :o)
P.S. Please check your message board.
wonderful memories and to know ones culture
and history is very special.
my grandfather came from the "old country" (croatia) when he was 14 years old; his parents put him on the boat for a better life in america. when he came here, stephen srdjak didn't speak english. in order for him to find work, he had to learn it. he went to work in the coal mines, then moved to cleveland, ohio. when i was growing up, i'd ask him to say something in his language, and he'd get so mad..."i'm in america, i speak english, because i am american," he'd roar. not like today, when we cater to non-english speakers...
thank you for the memory jogs in this tender dedication to your grampa. s'drovya (i THINK that's how you say "thank you" in Polish)
(((HUGS))) and love, karla. :)
Wow!!!!! we got some common ground here as so did my grandparents arrive from Poland in 1914 at Ellis and then from there to Youngstown OH were he worked the mills and they both sound just alike for sure.
Nice tribute to him
In fact 4 years ago we sent my parents back to the home land and they found cousins etc and for my dad was best thing for him as he now ages along here
Tommy
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :D
A beautiful tribute to your beloved Grandfather!!
This touched the heart and soul dear friend!!
You are a great Pal!!
Love Tinky!!